SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller today welcomed the newest members of the Illinois Conservation Police at a graduation ceremony in their honor at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The 14 recruits completed 24 weeks of intense general law enforcement training and specific conservation police training totaling nearly 1,000 hours to prepare them for their new jobs.

“We are especially proud to introduce the second class of Conservation Police Officers in just two years,” Miller said. “I am committed to rebuilding our conservation police force so our men and women can provide increased protection to Illinois citizens and our state’s natural resources.”

Conservation Police officer recruits are first required to attend the Illinois State Police (ISP) Academy for basic law enforcement training and certification. The ISP Academy lasts for 12 weeks and includes 480 hours of classroom instruction, practical training, and scenario training. The training covers everything from Illinois Vehicle and Criminal codes to domestic violence and drug enforcement.

Upon successful completion of the ISP Academy, recruits enter the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police (CPO) Academy. The CPO Academy is also 12 weeks in length with 480 hours of course work.

During the CPO Academy, recruits receive classroom instruction, field practical instruction, and scenario-specific training to develop skills of a Conservation Police officer that no other training can provide.

Illinois Conservation Police officers protect Illinois citizens and visitors in state parks, on state waterways and on the highways and back roads of Illinois. They enforce game and fish laws, boat safety, timber regulations, and drug and traffic laws. CPO’s assist outdoor recreation enthusiasts to enjoy their time outdoors safely and they are first responders in times of floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and other natural and man-made disasters.

The following individuals were sworn in as Conservation Police Officers today:

Jarrod J. Elliott – LaHarpe, IL

John L. Farber – Morris, IL

Stuart M. L. Fraser – New Douglas, IL

William O. Gilmer – Lincoln, IL

Nicholas S. Honiotes – Joliet, IL

Jason R. Hurt – Peoria, IL

Roberto Macias Jr. – Nashville, IL

Joshua R. Mooi – Wheaton, IL

Nathan L. Murry – Pinckneyville, IL

Nicholas A. Reid – Joliet, IL

Todd Anthony Semenik – Homer Glen, IL

Victoria Angela Smith – Elmwood Park, IL

Colin R. Vaughan – McHenry, IL

Scott E. Wagner – Malden, IL

This new recruit class brings the total number of Conservation Police officers to 140. During its peak in the late 1970’s, Illinois Conservation Police had as many as 189 officers on staff.